63000 families heave sigh of relief

Mumbai: A state cabinet meeting on Monday ruled that those who have bought houses built by the Slum Rehabilitation Authority before the mandatory lock in period of 10 years was over, would not lose their homes.

While political observers say that the decision has been taken with an eye on the civic elections, it spells relief to over 63000 home owners, who had benefitted from the SRA housing scheme but had sold off their houses before the expiry of the mandatory 10 year lock in period decided by the High Court. The new state government ruling says that the new owners can pay the requisite penalty decided under the Pradhanmantri Awaas Yojana and claim rightful ownership. The court had earlier sent the new owners notices saying they had infringed the law.

A committee has been set up under the stewardship of housing minister Prakash Mehta to look into the issue. The committee will also help the government draft its response to the court.